WHOOOOO unexpected trip to NYC
 

Alright, don't you love the trips that just happen outta no where. So I had 2 travel vouchers getting ready to expire and a friend on the Jersey coast we hadn't seen in a few years. So with one phone call, we are headed to the Jersey Coast for 4 days and jumping trains up to NYC. Oddly I have never been to NYC other than the airports. Always kinda wanted to go, but there are soooo many more places on the list. It has been 6 months since we got back from EU and 4 more months till be go back for 23 days, so I am so excited to do this in between:) :) :)

Have a great time. NYC is intense. At least I think it is.

You'll love it!!!
It's an amazing city... though I might be stating the obvious.

Enjoy yourself there! :) When are you guys heading out?

March 4th. Leaving pretty early, flying into Newark and our friend is picking us up. She lives in Point Pleasant Beach NJ. There is a train leaving from there that takes about an hour to hit NYC. Hoping the weather will be kind to us:)
Our plans for the city so far, are to get there very early, hit times square, cruise through central park, find a nice view of the statue of liberty, not taking the time to go see her, just want a glance. Then, who knows, find a few bars and see what happens

The Soho is a must see. Not as artsy as it was in years past, but it is worth a visit and there are still some artsy people around. Very trendy.

Chinatown and little Italy is worth it too. Not many Italians left, but plenty of Chinese around.

I also recommend the MOMA and the Metro Museam of Arts.

For NJ Transit, make sure to buy an off-peak roundtrip. There's no such thing as an "off-peak one way" so if you buy two one-ways, you'll pay more than if you buy roundtrip.
From their website njtransit.com: "Off-peak Round-Trip Tickets (ORT) save you up to 15% off the cost of two regular one-way tickets. They are valid only for travel in the direction indicated on the ticket. ORT tickets are valid until used." Also, I believe (though am not sure) if your return trip happens to fall during a peak period, the conductor will just charge you the difference without the normal charge of purchasing a ticket on the train. Just tell him you missed the off-peak train.

Sweet, thanks for the info. I am always impressed with the facts everybody gives me. Makes traveling such fun:cheers:

Awesome. I love New York.

My favorite neighborhood by far is the East Village... 'course, I probably like it because it's most reminiscent of San Francisco. Go figure. :-\

That and all the bois make eyes at you, eh Omi? :lol:

Hahah.. that'd be in the west village. And yeah, the eye contact makes me feel at home ;)

The 'see what happens part' is always my favorite. Enjoy NYC, lots to see and do and happen.

The views of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park are pretty good. I took the ferry over there and did the climb and all that, but really, to me, the greatest impact is seeing her from afar so I think your plan is the right one. Enjoy!!:cheers:

MOMA...yes yes yes...as far as museums go...this is #1 on my list

check out lady liberty from battery gardens...there is a great resturant there with the same name--i held an event there, food is really good, but a bit fancy--the ferry leaves from the dock right next to it.
R train whitehall street

central park is fab...it will still be cold here but you can never pass up a day in the park. check out some skating at wollman rink http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com/main_wollman.htm
if that's your thing, its better then rockerfeller.
head over to "serendipity" for a splurge on sweets and the best frozen hot coco in the world!

times square is a must see for anyone. its always insane...no matter what time of day...it makes my head spin! take pictures...don't buy anything cause it's all a rip off and get out!

shopping on broadway in soho is fun...wander to the side streets...you can't get lost--it's an island.
little italy is great for an afternoon lunch...can get busy for dinner.
i stay away from chinatown--again, the insanity...its fun though...tons to see...people selling shit everywhere!

if you're feeling adventurous...

head to the lower east side and get some knishes. the BEST place is yonah schimmel on houston street

walk the brooklyn bridge. it was something i did the first week i lived here and i'm so happy i did. just over the bridge in brooklyn are some great places to grab a bit and check out the island from the other side of the water.

well, if you need any ideas..let me know!

:)

Ohh NYC is good for a visit (doesnt touch san fran tho). you'll have a great time, go to time squareand get a wee drawing done, they are class!

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